DESCENDANTS OF JEREMIAH AND MARY (GARST) WILLIAMS

- David “Lonesome Dave” Williams, born about 1776 in Montgomery County,died September 18, 1860, at Cirtsville, Raleigh County. David married Elizabeth "Betsy"McGriff. See below.- Molly Williams, born about 1779 in Montgomery County, married John Riceon July 31, 1799, in Montgomery County.- John S. Williams, born about 1780 in Montgomery County, died 1850-1860, atHoges Chapel, Giles County. John married Mary "Polly" Griffith.- Alexander Williams, born about 1782 in Montgomery County, died January 1,1815, in Norfolk, Virginia. He married Eliza “Lisha”______ in 1802. She was bornabout 1780. See below.- Joseph Williams was born about 1784 in Montgomery County. He marriedMary Nichols.- Andrew Williams born about 1788, Montgomery County, Virginia; died inDecember 1828 in Giles County. He married Nancy Albert about 1804 probably inGiles County. She was born about 1787 and died after 1850, most likely in FayetteCounty, Virginia. See below.- James A. Williams, Sr., born about 1792 in Virginia; died before 1850. Hemarried Sarah "Sallie Piles.- Margaret Williams was born about 1794.- Rebecca Williams was born about 1796.David “Lonesome Dave” Williams, son of Jeremiah and MaryAs a young man, Dave was a hunter and a trapper. By the time he was 17 in 1793 and1794, he was serving as an ensign in the Second Battalion of Augusta County, Virginia.David served in the War of 1812, receiving many acres of land granted for his warservices.At least two accounts exist of how "Lonesome Dave" got his nickname. The first accountis from Lara M. Blake, a Fayette County historian and school teacher. According to thisaccount, "Lonesome Dave" got his nickname from the habit he had of continuouslywhistling some lonesome melody. He became so well know by this name that he used ithimself. "Lonesome Dave" even placed his money in the bank under that name.The second account of how the name "Lonesome" came about was Dave supposedlyobtained the name during the Revolutionary War. It is possible, if this event actuallyhappened, it was during the War of 1812. According to this account, he was a healthyyoung man full of spirit, song, and dry humor. Often when the soldiers would get "blue2

and low", Dave would boast in a loud voice, "I guess the folks back home are lonesomefor Dave". As a result, his companions called him "Lonesome Dave". This ismisleading since Dave was born about 1776, which was during the AmericanRevolutionary War period.Both accounts of how the nickname originated are interesting; however, we will probablynever know the true origin of his nickname.David married Elizabeth “Betsy” McGriff on November 16, 1801, in Knox County,Tennessee. Elizabeth was born bout 1781 at Sinking Creek in Montgomery County. Themarriage record lists her name as “Betsy.”"Dave" was one of the first settlers of Upper Paint Creek. He first settled on Maple Forkin Raleigh County about 1811, but moved to Dothan, near Mossy, in Fayette County. Itseems Dave and Elizabeth were living in Kanawha County when their last child was bornabout 1830. They had settled in Fayette County (now Raleigh County) by the time the1840 census was taken. I suspect Dave's son John settled in the area prior to his father'ssettling there.Elizabeth died in Raleigh County on October 4, 1858, at age 77, from dropsy. Elizabethwas the daughter of Thomas and Susan (Atkins) McGriff. Thomas McGriff was a son ofJohn McGriff.Dave died from dropsy on September 8, 1860, at the age of 84 in Raleigh County.David’s death record shows his age as 84; however, the 1860 census shows his age as 85.Alexander Williams, son of Jeremiah and MaryAlexander Williams died on January 1, 1815, in Norfolk, Virginia, while serving in theWar of 1812. His wife’s name was Lisha or Eliza.On July 30, 1816, Eliza Williams applied for a widow's pension. She certified that shehad married Alexander Williams 14 years earlier (which would have been in 1802), andthat they had six children, all under the age of 16. She names the children and gives theirages: (1) Polly Williams, 11 years old on January 29 last (born 1805); (2) JohnWilliams, nine years old on October 6 last (born 1806); (3) Jeremiah Williams, eightyears old on December 25 last (born 1807) (See below.); (4) Parker Williams, six yearsold on December 20 last (born 1809); (5) Jane Williams, three years old on October 18last (born 1812); and (6) Betsy Williams, one year old on March 23 last (born 1815).Upon payment of $25 bond, Eliza Williams was appointed administrator of the estate ofher deceased husband Alexander Williams. George Williams, M'Cager Bradley, andChristian Smith were appointed to appraise the estate. Results of the appraisal do notappear to have been recorded.Based on the above information, it would seem that Alexander and Eliza's youngestdaughter Betsy was born almost two months after Alexander's death in 1815.3

Andrew Williams, son of Jeremiah and MaryAndrew Williams was born about 1788 in Giles County. Andrew married Nancy about1804 in Giles County. Nancy’s maiden name is thought to be Albert. Andrew died aboutDecember 1828 in Giles County. Andrew's will was prepared in December 1828, and itwas presented to the court at the January 1829 court session.Nancy Williams and some of their children settled in both current-day Fayette Countyand Raleigh County after Andrew’s death. Nancy was born about 1787 and died after1850, probably in Fayette County. Their children:- John Williams was born about 1805 - 1810 in Giles County. About 1848, Johnmarried Eve who was born about 1825.- Philip Williams was born about 1806 Giles County.- Lenny (Linnie) Williams was born about 1808 Giles County.- A daughter was born about 1809 in Giles County.- Ryley (Riley) Williams was born about 1810 Giles County.- Elizabeth Williams was born about 1811 in Giles County.- Amanda Williams was born about 1815 in Giles County. Amanda andAlexander Watts were married on November 5, 1859, in Fayette County. She wasburied at McCreery, Raleigh County, at the mouth of Piney River. Alexander Watts wasborn about 1795. He died before 1880.- Isaac Williamswas born about 1817 in Giles County. Isaac married AbigailScarbrough on November 26, 1840, Fayette County. They were married by JohnJohnson. Abigail was born about 1826 in Monroe County, Virginia. She was thedaughter of Robert "Robin" Scarbrough and Mary Ann "Polly" (Foldin).- Anderson Williams was born about 1820 in Giles County. He died June 4,1906. Anderson married Judah Hodge on March 30, 1843, in Fayette County. The Rev.Matthew Ellison performed the ceremony. Judah was born about 1830 in Virginia. Shedied about 1899.- Mattison (Madison) Williams was born about 1821-1825 in Giles County. Hedied on December 25, 1893, in Raleigh County. He probably was buried at the WilliamsCemetery, Cirtsville, Raleigh County. About 1846, Mattison married Mahala Laffertywho was born about 1826 and died January 18, 1904. Mahala was probably buried at theWilliams Cemetery, Cirtsville, Raleigh County. Her parents were John Lafferty and Mary"Polly" Williams.- Lucinda Williams was born about October 1823 in Giles County. Lucindamarried James Williams who was born about October 1817. They were married on4

January 6, 1842, in Fayette County by the Rev. Matthew Ellison. Lucinda and James areburied at the Thompson Cemetery, Bub Davis Road at Sand Branch, Raleigh County.His parents were David "Lonesome Dave" Williams and Elizabeth "Betsy" McGriff.- Malinda Williams, born December 23, 1828, probably in Giles County, diedMay 19, 1893, at Roseville, Fayette County. In Fayette County, on May 6, 1847,Malinda married Rufus Lively who was born on May 23, 1823, at Lindside, MonroeCounty. Martin T. Bibb performed the marriage ceremony. Rufus died March 14, 1879,at Roseville, Fayette County. Both Malinda and Rufus are buried at the Lively Cemetery,Fayette County. Rufus was the son of Joseph Lively and Mary "Polly" Pack.__________Jeremiah "Jerry" Williams, son of Alexander and Lisha (Eliza)Jeremiah "Jerry" Williams was born December 25, 1807, in Giles County. He was theson of Alexander and Lisha (Eliza) Williams. Jerry died after 1860 in Raleigh County.On September 8, 1804, Susannah "Susan" White was born in Giles County. She diedafter 1860, probably in Raleigh County. Jerry and Susan were married on August 31,1826, in Giles County. Tradition gives James K. "Jimmy" White and Mary (Campbell)White, as her parents. Jerry and Susan’s children.- Mary Ann Williams was born about 1827 in Giles County. Mary Ann seems tobe the mother of Alexander Williams who was born March 16, 1858, in Raleigh County.This child may have died young. On January 25, 1860, in Raleigh County, Mary Annmarried Thornton Kelly who was born about 1797 in Culpeper County, Virginia. Theywere married by Alfred Beckley. The parents of Thornton were Jacob Kelly andMargaret "Peggy" (Gore) Kelly. Mary Ann and Thornton Kelly were living in FayetteCounty by 1870.- Ballard P. Williams was born approximately 1829-1832 in Giles County.Ballard married Eliza Godbey who was born about 1840 in Pulaski County, Virginia.They were married by Rev. Claiborne Curtis on April 27, 1856 in Raleigh County.Eliza’s parents were Archibald Whitt Godbey and Susanna Matilda (Taylor) Godbey. Ihave no further information on this couple.- A daughter was born about 1832 and died before 1850.- Christopher "Chris" Williams was born in Giles County. See below.- A son was born about 1836. He probably died young.- Guy D. Williams was born about April 13, 1837, in Giles County. Guy diedabout 1865. On May 21, 1861, Guy married Elizabeth "Betz" Harper in Raleigh County.She was born about January 1825, in Fayette County. Her parents were Joseph Harper,Sr., and Frances "Fannie" Stover. Elizabeth married first Samuel Wills on December 6,1845, in Fayette County. She married John Arnold, Jr., on April 10, 1868, in RaleighCounty,5

- Rosa Belle Williams, born July 1837, in Giles County died before 1865. Shemarried Jeremiah "Jerry" Daniel, born July 8, 1834, in Carroll County, Virginia. Jerrydied on April 1, 1909, at Surveyor, Raleigh County. Their marriage date was December25, 1859, in Raleigh County. They were married by M. A. Davidson . Jerry was the sonof William R. Daniel and Chloe Jane "Clovy" (Guynn) Daniel.- Elizabeth Williams, born about 1839 in Fayette Co, married John Pettry, bornabout 1838 in Mercer County, Virginia. John died on June 29, 1864, in theAndersonville Prison during the Civil War. Elizabeth and John were married onNovember 6, 1859, in Raleigh County, by Rev. Matthew Ellison. John was the son ofMartin Pettry and Sarah (Davis) Pettry. Elizabeth was married second to Thomas A.Arnold, born about May 1839 in Henry County. Thomas died in November 1907, inRaleigh County. Thomas and Elizabeth were married on July 23, 1869, in RaleighCounty. He was the son of John Arnold, Jr., and Nancy (Griffith) Arnold.- Adam J. Williams, born in January 1844 in Fayette County, died after 1900. Hemarried Amanda Lucinda Arnold on September 17, 1873, in Raleigh County. James F.Webb performed the marriage ceremony. Amanda was born on November 13, 1856, inRaleigh County. Amanda was the daughter of John Arnold Jr. and Nancy (Griffith)Arnold.- John Williams was born about 1849 in Fayette County and died before 1860.No further information is known about John.__________Christopher Williams, son ofJeremiah “Jerry” and Susan (White) WilliamsChristopher “Chris” Williams Sina E. (Arnold) WilliamsChristopher "Chris" Williams was born in Giles County on November 30, 1833. Hisdeath record lists his birth date. Chris died on April 4, 1902, at The Marshes in RaleighCounty, from severe burns of the legs. His occupation was listed as a farmer. His6

daughter-in-law, Bettie Williams, is listed as the person reporting his death. Sina E.Arnold was born May 18, 1835, in Henry County, Virginia. She died October 18, 1898,in Raleigh County. Chris and Sina were married February 25, 1858, in Raleigh County.Her parents were John Arnold, Jr., and Nancy Griffith from Henry County. Chris andSina’s children:- Henry Jahue "Jehu" Williams was born April 11, 1860, in Raleigh County.Jehu married Sarah Elizabeth "Betty" McGary who was born May 17, 1868, in FayetteCounty. See below.- Thomas William "Tom" Williams was born October 2, 1861, in RaleighCounty. Tom married Nancy Virginia "Nan" Atha who was born September 5, 1867, inMonroe County. See below.- A daughter was born December 22, 1858, in Raleigh County. She probablydied young.- John H. Williams was born about 1863 in Ohio. I have no further informationon John.- Nancy E. Williams was born about 1864 in Ohio. I have no further informationon Nancy.- Harriett Frances Williams was born January 14, 1872, in Raleigh County.Harriett married Peter "Pete" Clay in Raleigh County. See article on Peter “Pete” Clayand Harriett Frances (Williams) Clay.__________Henry Jahue “Jehu” WilliamsHenry Jahue "Jehu" Williams was born April 11, 1860, in Raleigh County toChristopher and Sina (Arnold) Williams. He died May 23, 1940, in Raleigh County.Jehu married Sarah Elizabeth "Betty" McGary who was born May 17, 1868, in FayetteCounty. Betty died on August 26, 1943, in Raleigh County. On January 12, 1885, inRaleigh County, they were married by William Turner. The person providing theinformation for the marriage permit was Jehu’s uncle, Ferd L. Arnold. Jehu and Betty are7

uried at the Clyburn (Cantley) Cemetery, on Mattsville Road, Sandlick, Raleigh County.Betty’s parents were Joseph McGary and Elizabeth (Dean) McGary. Betty was a midwifeon Sandlick. Children of Jehu and Betty:- Joseph Christopher Williams was February 2, 1886, in Raleigh County. Hedied February 16, 1886, in Raleigh County.- Thomas Lendon Williams was born April 12, 1887, in Raleigh County. He diedabout 1958. Lendon married Rosa "Rosy" Arnold on February 4, 1909, in RaleighCounty. Rosa was born October 18, 1891, in Raleigh County.- Charlotte "Lottie" Williams, born April 9, 1889, in Raleigh County, diedDecember 26, 1963. Lottie married Granville Lee Dillon on May 8, 1909, in RaleighCounty. They were married by Rev. Harry L. Walton. Granville was born March 15,1880, in Raleigh County. He died on September 28, 1963, at Mattsville, Raleigh County.- Walter Raleigh Williams, born December 23, 1892, at Clear Creek, RaleighCounty, died April 28, 1914, as a result of the Eccles #5 coal mining explosion, at Eccles,Raleigh County.- Lydia Elizabeth Williams, born on January 12, 1895, died in March 1978 inRaleigh County. About 1919, she married Eldridge Bartley Williams who was born onOctober 14, 1886. He died in January 1967 at Harper Creek, Raleigh County.- Louisa Frances "Icie" Williams, was born on October 8, 1896. Icie died onOctober 4, 1937. About 1915, Icie married William French Atha. Records show severaldifferent dates of birth for French. The Social Security Death Index lists his birth asMarch 6, 1890. French died February 18, 1983.- Edith Blanche Williams, born June 8, 1901, in Raleigh County, died on July 18,1901, at Mattsville, Raleigh County.- Solie "Sollie" Williams, was born July 12, 1902 at Harper, Raleigh County. Hedied on November 3, 1978, at Beckley, Raleigh County. Sollie Williams was marriedfirst to Wavie Allen about 1919. Wavie was born August 5, 1899, in Naoma, RaleighCounty. She died October 3, 1983, in Beckley, Raleigh County. Solie’s second marriagewas to Della ______ about 1940. Wavie married Mont Pettry second after 1940.__________Thomas William "Tom" Williams was born October 2, 1861, in Raleigh County, toChristopher and Sina Williams. Tom died February 24, 1933, at his home on the head ofSandlick, Raleigh County. He is buried at the Harper Cemetery, Harper, Raleigh County.On August 28, 1884, in Raleigh County, Tom married Nancy Virginia “Nan" Atha whowas born September 5, 1867, in Monroe County. Nan died December 5, 1952, at MountHope, Fayette County. She is buried at the Charley Athey Cemetery, Sandlick, RaleighCounty. Lorenzo Dow Atha and Mary Jane (Wiseman) were Nan’s parents.8

Some records show Thomas W. and others show William T. (1880 census). It wouldseem he was probably named William Thomas Williams; but, as he matured, he changedthe name to Thomas William Williams, going by "Tom" or by the initials "T. W." Hewas also called Squire Tom Williams. Family tradition is that he was a magistrate and aschool teacher. The school where Thomas taught was located across the road, down thecreek, from the old home place at Sandlick.The Charleston Daily MailCharleston, WVFebruary 27, 1933“Squire” Tom andNancy Virginia “Nan” (Atha)WilliamsFuneral services forThomas Williams, 71 years old,a retired farmer, who died at hishome in the Sand Lick sectionFriday night following a strokeof paralysis, were held from theresidence Sunday afternoon.He is survived by hiswidow, Mrs. Nan AthaWilliams, and the followingsons and daughters:Mrs. Bertha Maynor, ofMaynor; Mrs. Myrtle Hurt, ofMount Hope; Mrs. GertrudeBostick, of Winding Gulf; WardWilliams, of Premier, and W. J.Williams, of Hemphill. Asister, Mrs. Peter Clay ofSurveyor, and a brother, J.Hugh Williams of Hemphill,also survive.Children of Tom and Nan:- Elbert Williams was born on November 5, 1885, at Mattsville (Sandlick),Raleigh County. Elbert died as a result of a mining accident on April 3, 1921, atCranberry, Raleigh County. Elbert married Leota Matilda Frances Dickens, born May30, 1886, at Mattsville (Sandlick), Raleigh County. Leota died on September 27, 1971, atProsperity, Raleigh County. They were married December 14, 1904, at Mattsville,Raleigh County. Leota was the daughter of John Henry "Long John" Dickens Jr. andMary Jane (Turner) Dickens.9

- Macie Pearl Williams, was born on March 24, 1887, at Mattsville (Sandlick),Raleigh County. She died on November 20, 1976, in Vineland, New Jersey. Maciemarried Elliott Turner Harper who was born May 12, 1885, in Raleigh County, and diedon December 9, 1932, in Raleigh County. They were married October 17, 1905, at herparents' home at Sandlick. The ceremony was performed by H. E. Sumner, Minister ofthe Methodist Episcopal Church. Elliott was the son of James Benjamin “Jim” Harperand Victoria Alice (Vaughn) Harper. About 1942, Macie married Gordon Meador whodied about 1952.- Bertha Williams, born February 6, 1888, in Raleigh County, died March 26,1983, in Raleigh County. Bertha married Rufus Swinfield Maynor who was born eitherAugust 8, 1873, or September 26, 1873, in Clear Fork, Raleigh County. Rufus died aboutJuly 1932 at Cirtsville, Raleigh County. They were married about 1918 at Sandlick,Raleigh County. Rufus was the son of Joseph W. “Buck” Maynor and Mary Elizabeth(Feazell) Maynor.- Myrtle Williams, born August 1891, at Powellton, Fayette Co WV, died eitherMay 28, 1967, or May 30, 1967, at Beckley, Raleigh County. Myrtle married WyattPorter Hurt who was born February 11, 1890, at Prosperity, Raleigh County. Porter diedMay 4, 1969, at Mount Hope, Fayette County. They were married October 6, 1909, atCranberry, Raleigh County. Porter was the son of William Jordan Hurt and Martha J.“Mattie” (Evans) Hurt.- Gertrude "Gertie" Williams, born February 9, 1892, at Powellton, FayetteCounty. She died July 4, 1965, at Prosperity, Raleigh County. Gertrude was marriedfirst on May 24, 1911, to John A. Hurt. John was born July 25, 1891, in RaleighCounty. He died on August 11, 1920. John’s parents were William Jordan Hurt andMartha J. “Mattie” (Evans) Hurt. Gertrude was married second about 1922 to OralConklin Bostick who was born on February 28, 1880, and died May 19, 1943, at Skelton,Raleigh County. Oral was the son of Lewis Margrove Bostick and Sarah M. (Porterfield)Bostick.- Ward Howard Williams was born about in February 1895 or 1897 in RaleighCounty. Ward died on October 20, 1969, at Charleston, Kanawha County. Ward marriedMamie Laura Loving who was born November 13, 1902, at Minden, Fayette County.Mamie died on September 1, 1996, at Iaeger, McDowell County, at the home of herdaughter. Ward and Mamie were married on October 22, 1919, in Raleigh County, by J.G. Godbey. Mamie was the daughter of Mashall Loving and Dollie Margaret (Shanklin)Loving.- Wirt James Williams, was born on February 9, 1897, at Sandlick, RaleighCounty. He died on May 28, 1980, at Oak Hill, Fayette County. Wirt married ElvaEvaline Massey on September 15, 1915. Elva was born on March 21, 1900, at Winifrede,Kanawha County, and died on December 22, 1958, at Montgomery, Fayette County.Elva was the daughter of Thomas Hansford Massey and Ernestine (Price) Massey. Wirtwas married second to Priscilla Jane Bryant who died on January 14, 1987, at Oak Hill,Fayette County. Priscilla was the daughter of the Rev. Tom Bryant and Amanda (Brown)Bryant.10

Sources: Obituaries1840-1930 Federal Census RecordsGiles County, Virginia, WillsRaleigh County Births, Deaths, Census, and Marriages transcribedby Pauline Haga, Ronald Ray Turner, and David Anderson TurnerOriginal Records on file at the Raleigh County Court HouseRecords from Family MembersFamily TraditionsPersonal Knowledge11